Join the Facebook group – “CUHK IASP 2016-17 | Spring Term” to get connected with everyone in the programme and exchange information in a timely manner.
ONLINE COURSE PRE-SELECTION
Please pay attention to the email sent on 11 November 2016 concerning course pre-selection for 2nd term of academic year 2016-17. You are required to submit an online form between 14 and 16 November 2016 (Hong Kong Time).
EXPECTED ARRIVAL INFORMATION
To better keep track of your arrival date and time in Hong Kong, you should complete and submit the online arrival information form.
BUDDY PROGRAMME AT CUHK
The Buddy Programme organized by the Office of Academic Links aims to provide an intercultural experiential learning environment for both CUHK and the new international students.
If you wish to find a local friend to practise Cantonese or Putonghua, learn about Chinese culture, and earn extra insider information about student life in Hong Kong and CUHK, act now! Sign up here before 12 December 2016.
Note: Other units at CUHK also arrange their own buddy programmes for international students. You are welcome to join as many programmes as you wish.
SURVIVAL CANTONESE CLASS
CUHK’s Yale-China Chinese Language Centre will offer a one-hour Survival Cantonese Class for new students during the orientation week. It is designed for students who wish to pick up some Cantonese phrases that can be used in everyday situations, such as greetings, shopping, and traveling. Seats are limited. Sign up by sending your full name, application number and home institution to Mr. Colin Chow at colinchow@cuhk.edu.hk before 19 December 2016.
HONG KONG AT A GLANCE
Hong Kong is situated on the southeastern coast of China and spread out over 1,100 square kilometers. It is composed of Hong Kong Island, Lantau Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territorries, as well as 262 outlying islands. The famous Victoria Harbour lies between Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. CUHK is located in the New Territories and conveniently linked other districts via the metro system in Hong Kong – Mass Transit Railway (MTR). MTR provides the most convenient method of commuting CUHK to downtown Kowloon and to the border of Mainland China.
OCTOPUS CARD
The Octopus Card is a stored value smart card widely used in Hong Kong, i.e. public transport, shops and supermarkets, most of the canteens at CUHK, etc. If you are aged 25 or below, you can apply for a Personalised Octopus Card with student status, which gives you privilege to enjoy concessionary fares on the MTR network (except for the Airport Express). Application form for the academic year 2016-17 can be obtained from any MTR station.
All non-local students admitted to CUHK must apply for a student visa through the Office of Academic Links before coming to Hong Kong. Once we receive complete documentation from you, we will forward it to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The normal processing time is about 5 to 7 weeks. Once you received the student visa, you should affix it onto a blank page in your passport or travel document (for students from mainland China). You must show it to the immigration officer upon your arrival in Hong Kong so as to activate student status in Hong Kong. A "JOURNEY COMPLETED" stamp will be placed on your visa label. A landing slip, which indicates the student status due date will be given to you before leaving the immigration hall, should be attached to your passport.
MAINLAND CHINA TOURIST VISA
If you plan to travel to mainland China during your study period in Hong Kong, you are recommended to apply for a China tourist visa in your home country (except for holders of Singapore and Japan passports). This is different from the Hong Kong student visa. It is possible to apply for a China tourist visa in Hong Kong but it is unlikely that multiple entry visas will be issued in Hong Kong for first-time applicants.
ORIENTATION
An orientation for newly admitted IASP students will be held from 5 to 7 January 2017 (suggested arrival dates: 3 or 4 January 2017). The welcoming lunch and Hong Kong City Tour will be held on 7 January 2017. The orientation covers information on the curriculum, student life at CUHK, Chinese culture, Hong Kong society, and services provided by various units at CUHK and staff members of the Office of Academic Links. It is also an excellent occasion to know other international students. A tentative schedule is available here.
Students assigned to on-campus dormitories should settle your bags there BEFORE visiting the Office of Academic Links (1/F, Yasumoto International Academic Park) for registration. If you are expected to reach the campus after office hours, please visit us on the next working day. (Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.).
Chinese cuisine will be served at the welcoming lunch on Saturday, 7 January 2017. If you are on vegetarian or other special diet, please inform us via email: colinchow@cuhk.edu.hk and we will try to arrange suitable dishes for you.
COLLEGE AND PERMANENT HOSTEL ASSIGNMENT
Information of College assignment will be announced by early December. Permanent hostel assigment will be informed in mid-December 2016.
MEDICAL SERVICE AT CUHK AND MEDICAL CHECK UP
The University Health Service at CUHK provides primary health care facilities and clinical services to all students. Basic medication is free. You should also arrange at your own cost, accidental and medical insurance during the period in Hong Kong. If you plan on travelling around Asia, the insurance policy should cover these regions as well.
You may also consider undertaking a medical check up and getting necessary vaccination prior to your trip. Monitoring your health condition at all times should be your top priority. You should also bring along medical report and doctor's letter for any prescription medication.
CUHK MOBILE APP
You will find the CUHK Mobile app handy as it tells you the time of the next shuttle and locates classrooms within seconds. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android mobile devices. You may download it from the iPhone App Store or Google Play Store by searching CUHK Mobile.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Student Advisor at OAL:
Office of Academic Links (i-Centre)
1/F, Yasumoto International Academic Park
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 3943 7597 | Fax: (852) 2603 5402
Email: iasp@cuhk.edu.hk | Website: www.oal.cuhk.edu.hk
